New police inspector hopes for legacy of community cohesion

THE new Inspector responsible for local policing in the Cotswolds said she is hoping to build a legacy of community cohesion during her tenure.

Inspector Karen Ellis, who recently took up her position as Cotswolds Community Policing Inspector, believes by bringing groups together it can benefit the wider society.

“The first thing that has struck me about the Cotswolds is its strong sense of community spirit and responsibility, so I’m very fortunate to be able to start from such a strong position," she said.

“Bringing together local groups and associations and to foster strong relationships with the police can really build on that and together we can continue to make the Cotswolds a safe place to live work and socialise."

Inspector Ellis began her police career 25 years ago when she joined The Metropolitan Police in 1989.

She transferred to Gloucestershire in 2004 and in the 10 years has performed a number of roles including roads policing, control room and as a response officer and has been an inspector for the past eight years.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had such a varied career over the past 25 years and I’m immensely excited to be starting this next phase,"she said.

"I’m incredibly passionate about community policing and believe that the values that have stood me in good stead over the years will benefit the people of the Cotswolds.”

Outside of work, Inspector Ellis is a member of a brass band and regularly takes part in community events.

And later this year, she will be taking part in a wing walk on behalf of Parkinsons UK.